The EPA has handed down its fuel economy estimates for Chevrolet's new 2014 Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel. The EPA is estimating the vehicle will get 46 mpg on the highway, making it the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid vehicle in America. General Motors says that the car will be available in certain cities this spring and around the country and Canada early this fall.

The turbodiesel version of the Cruze is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and has an estimated range of 700 highway miles on a single tank of diesel fuel.

The 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine is rated for 148 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque (the engine features a special over boost function that can increase torque to 280 pound-foot for short bursts as needed). The vehicle is capable of accelerating from a stop to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds.

“We harnessed generations of diesel expertise to adapt our world-class global engine for the North American market,” said Gary Altman, chief engineer, Chevrolet Cruze Diesel. “The Cruze Diesel is the best diesel passenger car out there. Chevrolet is redefining the meaning of great fuel economy with this car.”

The starting price for the car is $25,695 including the $810 destination charge. The Cruze Clean Turbo Diesel also features the Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, 17-inch wheels, leather seating, a five-year 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a two-year maintenance plan as standard equipment.

Have you seen how much a VW Jetta TDI is? Hint: they are about the same price. And another hint: VWs have horrible reliability ratings compared to GM these days. And they are more expensive to repair to boot.

Not the same though. GM gets bad reliability because you'll end up on the side of the road. VW gets bad reliability because of comfort features and accessories that fail, door handles, power windows, that sort of thing.

VW drive trains are rock solid. It's the other bits that they have trouble with. Pretty much the opposite of GM, who has drive train reliability problems, but window lifters and door handles that last decades.